FCP project set-up&Organization: Work with .mts or .mov ?

Trying to unravel a bit of a rats nest... I have .mts files for a project that was shot on the AF-100, 1080p, AVCHD. I also have the .mts files in .mov format, ProRes422(HQ). The project is finishing on DVD. I am working with FCP7 on a MacBookPro and at some point will hand the project off to the color correct folks...

The media files are incorrectly named and bear no relationship to the project, as example, I have about 30 .mov files in different folders, all named clip1. In total there are several hundred files.

Wondering if I should start fresh, working with the .mts files and Log and Capture. This way I can easily rename the material while retaining metadata to the 'camera original' 'negative.' Also thinking it affords me the easy ability to determine which footage, Ins/Outs, circled takes should be brought into the system. I'd like work in ProPres proxy, though I assume I can achieve this by changing the existing .mov ProRes422(HQ)?

Should I stick with the existing .mov files or should I begin anew with the .mts files? Tapeless workflow is really new for me, I'm finding it fascinating but I also know if I'm not smart about it at the front end, it's gonna be ugly at the backend. Really want to do this right.

If I do use the .mov files, do I change the file names inside FCP or should I change the actual QT file names? AND, if I should change the actual QT file names, should I make a copy first, preserving the original, poorly named .mov files?

I know I'm asking a buncha questions, your expertise, opinions and guidance are really appreciated. Thank you so much. -Jane

AVCHD is a horrid format when it comes to clip naming. Because each card starts over as CLip #1, Clip #2...so on and so on. And if you do not change the names in the L&T interface...linking to the right file can become a BIG issue.

Yeah...I'd start over, use L&T to convert so that FCP can track the footage, and rename the clips. If you do it after the fact, FCP might not be able to track it. Oh, only if you do it in the finder. If you rename in FCP, and then choose the MODIFY>RENAME FILES TO MATCH CLIPS, FCP will retain the metadata and now what card to look for when/if you need to recapture.

Wow - thank you so much for you reply Shane. I feel like the young grasshopper at the feet of The Master!

Question of clarification, Shane wrote: "Oh, only if you do it in the finder."
What does this mean?

Sounds like it is best to start over, Use L&T, rename the .mts files in L&T, use Modify>Rename Files To Match Clips, thus adding the slate information to the existing metadata of the original clips without compromising those files. I'll bring the assets into FCP at ProResproxy and re-render at a higher quality later. Yes?

If you name the clips as you log and transfer them in, there is no need to RENAME them. You already did. If you rename them before you bring them in, those names are on the clips and the files on the hard drive. RENAME only if you change the clip name in FCP, and want the QT file on the drive to reflect that name. Do that SPARINGLY, as it can lead to issues.

[Jane Q Public]"I'll bring the assets into FCP at ProResproxy and re-render at a higher quality later. Yes?"

Okay, so here's my path IN: I'm ignoring the .mov files. I'm staring fresh, importing the .mts files via log and transfer. From within L&T I will change/add scene&take information and bring the assets into FCP at ProRes proxy. I'm not touching the files, not renaming anything at the finder/root level.

I'm not using Rename Clip to Match because adding the scene/take info via L&T will do that.

Just tell me when I start coming off as a schmoe, my need for an idiots level of clarity is merely the result of wanting to avoid Junk In-Junk Out. I feel it's also vital to be able to reference back to the source asset, it seems this path will totally allow this and create the path to Batch Capture instead of re-render for outputting at a higher resolution.

All this sound good and reasonable as a work flow for getting the project set-up and off the ground?